Obstetrical forceps, c 1871-1900.

Image number: 10322300

These short obstetrical forceps made out of steel and ebony follow the design of Sir James Young Simpson (1811-1870). They were used to deliver babies from low down in the birth canal. Simpson also developed long forceps that were heavier and were designed to extract a baby from higher up the birth canal. Both his long and short forceps were adapted in many later designs. Manufactured by Philip Harris & Co of Birmingham.